UCSD

November is a time to reflect on the people, opportunities, and experiences that make Union County Schools special.

Across our district, students and staff continue to learn, grow, and accomplish great things. From classroom activities and student achievements to school celebrations and community partnerships, there is always a story worth sharing.

In this month's newsletter, we'll highlight what's happening throughout our schools, share important district updates, and help families stay informed about upcoming dates and opportunities.

Thank you for being part of the Union County Schools community. We hope you enjoy this month's edition!

Dear Union County Schools Family,

As we enter the month of November and prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how much I have to be thankful for.

A few months ago, I began a new chapter in my life when I was given the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. While I came into this role excited about the possibilities ahead, I also understood that becoming part of a new community meant taking the time to listen, learn, and build meaningful relationships. What I didn’t fully anticipate was just how welcoming this community would be.

From the conversations I’ve had with parents and community members to the countless interactions with our students, teachers, and staff, I have been reminded time and time again of what makes Union County Schools special. It’s not simply our buildings, programs, or accomplishments. It’s the people who walk through our doors each day and the care they demonstrate for one another.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit classrooms where students are excited about learning, speak with educators who go above and beyond for their students, and meet individuals throughout our community who genuinely want to see our schools succeed. These moments may seem small to some, but they have meant a great deal to me.

They have also reinforced something I firmly believe: Before we can ask people to invest in our vision, we must first invest in building their trust.

Trust is built through relationships, through listening, through showing up, and through the small actions that demonstrate we genuinely care. And over these first few months, I have seen countless examples of that commitment throughout our district.

As a superintendent, it’s easy to become consumed with meetings, decisions, plans, and the many responsibilities that come with leading a school district. But I never want to lose sight of why we do this work in the first place: our students and the people who support them. This Thanksgiving season, I want to say thank you.

To our students, thank you for reminding us each day why our work matters. Your curiosity, accomplishments, resilience, and potential continue to inspire me.

To our teachers and staff, thank you for the work you do, including the countless things that often go unnoticed. The encouragement you provide, the relationships you build, and the difference you make in the lives of children extend far beyond the school day.

To our parents and families, thank you for trusting us with your children and for being our partners in their education. And to our community, thank you for welcoming me, sharing your perspectives, and demonstrating how deeply you care about the future of Union County Schools.

I know we have important work ahead of us. There are challenges to address, opportunities to pursue, and decisions to make as we continue working to strengthen our schools. But I am encouraged by what I’ve experienced so far, and I believe our greatest opportunities will come from what we accomplish together.

As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll find a moment to slow down, reflect on the people who make a difference in your life, and perhaps reach out to someone who deserves a simple thank-you.

Sometimes, the smallest gestures of appreciation can have the greatest impact. From my family to yours, I wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, joy, and time with those who matter most.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of the Union County Schools family. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Matthew C. Woods
Superintendent
Union County Schools

From visiting classrooms and connecting with students to celebrating the accomplishments of our schools, our superintendent enjoys spending time throughout Union County Schools. These visits provide opportunities to see teaching and learning in action, recognize the great work happening across our district, and connect with the students and staff who make our schools special.

Here are a few moments from his recent visits around the district!

During the October 26 Board of Trustees meeting, Union County Schools recognized students who earned perfect scores on the SC READY and End-of-Course (EOC) assessments.

These outstanding achievements reflect the hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning demonstrated by our students, along with the support and encouragement of their teachers and families.

Congratulations to all of our students who received this special recognition! Your accomplishments are worth celebrating!

Kindergarten readiness is about more than letters and numbers! Families can help young children develop important social and emotional skills through everyday activities. Practice taking turns, encourage children to express their feelings, give simple directions, and allow them to complete small tasks independently. These everyday experiences build confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills that help children succeed in kindergarten and beyond!

The Union County Career Center has made workforce development a priority this school year, creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore careers and connect with local employers. Through manufacturing, health care, and workforce development panels featuring local industry and health care professionals and representatives from SCC, students are gaining valuable insight into career pathways available right here in Union County.

Additional efforts have included a job-shadowing day in partnership with Union County Schools, and a Business and Industry Partnership and Appreciation Luncheon designed to strengthen existing relationships and build connections with businesses and industries the Career Center has not previously engaged.

We are proud of the work our Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers and administrators are doing to prepare students for success beyond graduation. By connecting students with local professionals, exposing them to in-demand careers, and building stronger partnerships with Union County employers, the Career Center is helping us advance an important district priority: growing our own workforce and preparing students to build their futures right here in Union County. Experiences like these help connect classroom learning to real world careers and inspire students to explore exciting possibilities for their futures.

Accurate contact information helps Union County Schools make sure families receive important messages, school updates, reminders, and other communications. Parents and guardians can use SchoolStatus Connect to update their phone number, email address, and communication preferences by following the steps above.

It is also important to make sure your information is correct in PowerSchool, which serves as the district’s official student information system. If your address, phone number, email address, emergency contacts, or other official information has changed, please contact your child’s school so staff can update the appropriate student and parent/guardian records in PowerSchool.

Keeping both systems current helps ensure your school can reach you when it matters.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) help students develop creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Across Union County Schools, technology and hands-on learning opportunities help students explore new ideas, collaborate with classmates, and develop skills for the future.

National STEM Day is an opportunity to celebrate the curiosity and innovation happening in our classrooms!

Mr. Sims classes at Sims Middle engage in learning by implementing VEX robotics as part of the PLTW curriculum.

Keeping our information safe is an important part of using technology responsibly. Computer Security Day reminds students, families, and staff that simple habits can make a big difference in protecting personal information.

Three ways to stay safe online:

• Use strong, unique passwords.

• Think before clicking unfamiliar links or opening attachments.

• Never share passwords or personal account information with others.

Family Tech Tip: Talk with your child about recognizing suspicious messages and knowing when to ask a trusted adult for help.

Join the Union County High School Drama Department for a trip to the Hundred Acre Wood as students bring Winnie the Pooh to the stage!

As the beloved character celebrates his 100th anniversary in 2026, UCHS Drama is bringing back a special tradition: welcoming elementary students to the high school for live theater performances. Elementary students will attend special daytime performances on November 19 and 20, introducing young audiences to the magic of theater while showcasing the talents of our high school students.

Families and community members are also invited to enjoy the show!

🎟️ Public Performances — UCHS Cafetorium

• Friday, November 20 — 7:00 PM

• Saturday, November 21 — 7:00 PM

• Sunday, November 22 — 2:00 PM

Admission: $5 for students | $10 for adults

Come support our talented UCHS Drama students and enjoy a timeless story filled with friendship, imagination, and adventure!

Wondering what's for breakfast or lunch? My School Menus makes it easy to see what's being served at Union County Schools. Families can view menus online or use the free mobile app to check meal options, nutrition information, allergens, and more.

Something sweet is coming to Union County Schools!

Beginning Wednesday, November 4, students across the district will have a new way to add a little extra flavor to their school lunches with the introduction of Sweet Sting Sauce!

Created exclusively for Union County School District by School Food Rocks, this custom sauce features a special local ingredient — honey produced right here in Union County!

Sweet Sting Sauce will be available on all school serving lines every day at lunch, giving students another delicious way to customize their meals while enjoying a product made with locally sourced honey.

A little local sweetness, a little sting, and a whole lot of Union County flavor!

📚 Building Connections Through Reading

Students at Foster Park School recently enjoyed a special visit from USC Union students who spent time reading and connecting with them.

Through shared stories and one-on-one interactions, the younger students had an opportunity to enjoy reading alongside college students from their own community.

Experiences like these help encourage a love of reading while strengthening the connections between our schools and local educational partners.

Thank you to the USC Union students for sharing their time and helping make reading a memorable experience for our Foster Park students!

Learning took place outside the classroom as kindergarten students recently enjoyed a visit to the fair!

Students had opportunities to see farm animals up close, learn more about agriculture, and explore the sights and experiences of the fair.

From meeting cows and chickens to learning about livestock and beekeeping, the visit offered plenty of opportunities for curiosity, discovery, and hands-on learning.

What a wonderful way to connect classroom learning with the agricultural traditions of our community!

There's always more happening across Union County Schools than we can fit into one newsletter! Follow your school's official Facebook page to see the latest photos, celebrations, reminders, events, and updates from your school community.

Find and follow your school below to stay connected!

Nov 3 - Election Day | No School

No school for students.

Nov 25 - 27 Thanksgiving Holidays
No school for students.